Within the self-improvement space, we’re often advised to do what we love. And I’m all for this, as I’m someone who spent many years in a dead-end 9-to-5 job, hating what I did for a living, deeply depressed, and anxious.
When You Don’t Know What You Love to Do
So doing what you love is something I’m all about. However, at many points in my life, and maybe you can relate, I haven’t known what I love to do.
Sure, I have interests and passions. But when it comes to what I love to do, I always hit a brick wall.
That was until recently, when I realised that most of my passions are “interest-based”.
What do I mean?
The Overlooked Word: “Do”
Well, let’s take a closer look at the word “do”…
“Do” is a verb. It means to act.
So, when it comes to doing what you love, for example, an artist loves to paint, so it’s what they DO.
They’re passionate about art and love to paint. It’s clear and obvious, without a doubt.
Interest-Based vs Doing-Based Passions
But for an “interest-based” passion, it’s slightly more difficult…
In my case, health is a developed passion. But I can’t “DO” health the way an artist can paint and, as a by-product, get paid. (Interestingly, research suggests passions are often developed rather than simply discovered — which is exactly how my interest in health grew over time.)
Football, on the other hand, is a lifelong passion of mine. But I’m passionate about football as a sport, not necessarily coaching or refereeing, and I just wasn’t good enough to play at any serious level.
So, what do you do when your passions are “interest-based” rather than “doing-based”?
Well, in my case, the obvious action was, and is, to talk about them and help people as a by-product. Hence, the podcast, the content creation, and so on. It’s a good example of why helping others can feel good rather than drain you, when it flows from something you really care about.
The First Step No One Talks About
The first step I’ve seen no one talk about, when it comes to doing what you love, is to identify whether your passions are “interest-based” or directly “doing-based”. In other words: can you directly act, like the artist with their painting? Or do you need to find other ways to bring your passion to life and, as a by-product, do what you love?
It’s a subtle distinction, but one I’ve found to be impactful. And it pairs well with rethinking what we’re really aiming for in the first place.
Key Takeaways on Finding What You Love
- When You Don’t Know What You Love to Do: Struggling to identify a clear passion is normal, especially when your interests feel broad or difficult to put into direct action.
- The Overlooked Word: “Do”: Focusing on action reveals that some passions involve direct execution, like painting, while others require creative methods to bring them to life.
- Interest-Based vs Doing-Based Passions: Distinguish between passions centred around a topic versus an action, then find ways like creating content or sharing knowledge to express them.
- The First Step No One Talks About: Identify whether your core passion is an action or a subject area, allowing you to choose the right path for your personal growth.
FAQs for “Do What You Love”, But What If You Don’t Know?
What if you cannot figure out what you love doing?
Start by separating your interests from direct actions. You might hold deep curiosity for a topic like health, even if you do not perform a direct daily skill related to it.
What is the difference between interest-based and doing-based passions?
Doing-based passions involve direct activity, such as playing an instrument or painting. Interest-based passions focus on subjects you care about, which you can share through writing, speaking, or helping others.
How can you turn an interest-based passion into practical action?
You can produce podcasts, write articles, or mentor others. Sharing knowledge gives your topic-based interest a fulfilling, active outlet.
Why is identifying your passion type so helpful?
Knowing whether your passion relies on action or topic clears confusion. It gives you clarity on how to align your daily choices.
